Should Your Wedding Hair Stylist Be A Guest?

Wedding hair stylists and makeup artists play a huge role in making the bridal party look and feel their best on their big day. But what about inviting them to the wedding? It's not uncommon for people to feel conflicted about whether or not to invite their hair stylist to their wedding, especially if they have a personal connection with them. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the relationship between the bride and the hair stylist.

If the hair stylist is a close friend, it might be appropriate to extend an invitation. However, if the relationship is strictly professional, it's not necessary to invite them to the wedding. In this case, it's essential to discuss expectations beforehand and clarify whether the hair stylist will be leaving after providing their services or staying for the duration of the event.

Paid vendors vs friends: The general consensus is that paid stylists are not invited to the wedding, but friends who are also stylists may be

When it comes to your wedding, it's normal to wonder who to invite and who not to invite. This is especially true when it comes to paid vendors, such as hair stylists, and friends who are also stylists. So, what's the general consensus?

Well, the general consensus is that paid stylists are not typically invited to the wedding. They are usually expected to leave after providing their services. However, it is common courtesy to include them in the meal and beverage count for the getting-ready portion of the day. This means providing breakfast, lunch, or drinks like mimosas. It is also important to note that if you want your stylist to stay for touch-ups or for the entire event, you will likely need to pay extra.

On the other hand, if the stylist is a friend or relative, the situation is different. If they are already attending the wedding as a guest, it is common to ask them to help with hair styling. In this case, it is a more personal relationship, and they are not solely there in a professional capacity.

Ultimately, the decision to invite your hair stylist or not depends on the nature of your relationship. If you are close friends and regularly hang out, an invitation might be appropriate. However, if they are simply a paid vendor or someone you don't know well, it is not necessary to invite them to the wedding.

It's also worth considering the stylist's perspective. Some stylists may not expect an invitation and could even feel awkward attending if they are not close to the couple or other guests. They may prefer to complete their work and then move on to their next client or event.

Travel: If your stylist is travelling for your wedding, you may be expected to compensate them for their time and provide accommodation

When it comes to your wedding, you may be unsure whether to invite your hair stylist or not. If your stylist is travelling for your wedding, you may be expected to compensate them for their time and provide accommodation. Here are some things to consider:

Travel Fees:

It is common for hair stylists and makeup artists to charge travel fees when they have to travel to your wedding location. These fees can vary depending on the distance travelled and the vendor's policies. Some stylists charge a flat rate for travel, while others charge per mile. It is important to discuss travel fees in advance to avoid unexpected costs.

Accommodations:

If your wedding is in a remote location or requires an early start time, your stylist may need to stay overnight. In such cases, it is customary to provide accommodations for them. This could be in the form of a hotel room or an alternative arrangement, such as an Airbnb. Discuss this with your stylist to determine their preferences and requirements.

Time Compensation:

Travelling to your wedding location takes time, and your stylist may need to leave early to ensure they arrive on time. Their time is valuable, and they may have to turn down other work opportunities to be available for your wedding. Therefore, it is considerate to compensate them for their time, especially if they are travelling a significant distance.

Group Size:

The number of people requiring hair and makeup services can also impact travel fees and accommodations. If you have a large bridal party, your stylist may need to bring an assistant or additional stylists. This will increase the travel fees and may require additional accommodations. Discuss the details of your wedding party with your stylist to ensure they can accommodate your needs.

Alternative Options:

If you find the travel fees and accommodations too costly, you may consider looking for a stylist closer to your wedding venue. This can help reduce travel fees and make logistics easier. Alternatively, you can provide transportation for your stylist to and from the venue, which may be a more cost-effective option.

Remember, it is important to have clear communication with your stylist about your expectations and their requirements. Be sure to discuss all the details in advance to avoid any misunderstandings and ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for your special day.

Timings: Hair and makeup usually happen early in the day, so it's important to plan a schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly

Planning a schedule for hair and makeup on your wedding day is crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here are some tips to help you create a timeline:

Allow Enough Time

First, it's important to understand how much time to allocate for hair and makeup. On average, hairstyling takes around 40-45 minutes per person, while makeup applications take approximately 30 minutes per person. However, it's recommended to allow for 40 minutes per application to avoid rushing. For the bride, you should plan for 60-90 minutes.

Work Backwards

Once you know the time you need to be ready by, work backward in 30-40 minute increments to determine the arrival time for your hair and makeup artists. For example, if you need to be ready by 3 PM and have six applications/styles total, the start time for hair would be 11 AM, and for makeup, 12 PM.

Schedule the Bride in the Middle

Contrary to what some may think, it's best to have the bride's hair and makeup done toward the beginning or middle of the timeline rather than at the end. This ensures that even if things run a little behind schedule, the stylists won't be rushing when it comes to the bride.

Coordinate with the Photographer

If you plan on having getting-ready photos, coordinate the bride's hair and makeup time with the arrival of your photographer. This will ensure the day stays on track and photos aren't delayed.

Order of Services

While it's typically suggested to have hair done first followed by makeup, some artists prefer to do makeup after hair to avoid hairspray on the face. Ultimately, the order doesn't matter too much, and it's more important to keep a flexible schedule.

Be Smart About the Order of Your Bridal Party

When deciding the order of your bridal party, schedule the most responsible bridesmaids earlier in the morning to avoid delays caused by latecomers. Consider any external factors, such as bridesmaids with young children or the mother of the bride who may want to be ready earlier to help with preparations.

Allow for Touch-ups

Remember to allow time for touch-ups closer to the wedding. You may also want to bring a small kit with touch-up essentials like lip color, blotting paper, and extra bobby pins.

Consider Your Stylists' Time

If you have a large group and an early ceremony, ask your beauty team if they can bring assistants to save time. Alternatively, ensure that your bridal party takes their assigned time slots seriously to avoid delays.

Trials: It's recommended to do a trial run with your stylist to ensure you're happy with the look and to make any adjustments

Trials are an essential part of the process when it comes to wedding hair. It's recommended to do a trial run with your stylist to ensure you're happy with the look and to make any adjustments. Here are some tips to make the most of your wedding hair trial:

• Schedule your hair trial one to two months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to make adjustments if needed, and it's especially important if you plan on cutting or dyeing your hair. A final colouring should be done about two weeks before the wedding, and any significant cuts should be done about ten days prior.
• Wear something similar in colour to your wedding dress. This will give you a better idea of how your hair will complement your attire. If possible, choose a piece with a similar neckline to your gown, as different hairstyles lend themselves to particular necklines.
• Bring photos and examples of the styles you want. Your wedding hairstylist might not know your exact preferences, so it's helpful to bring inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or magazines. You can also bring past photos of yourself that showcase what has worked for you in the past.
• Bring your hair accessories. Don't forget to bring your veil, comb, or any other hair accessories you plan to wear so you can experiment with them during the trial.
• Time your appointment. During your trial, time the duration of your appointment, and then add 30 minutes to the schedule for any snags. This will help you work out how to fit hair and makeup into your wedding day timeline.
• Document the process. Take pictures of each finished look from four different angles: front, back, and both sides. This will help you see how you look from all views and how the stylist's work translates to photographs.
• Ask the right questions. After the trial, stick around to ask some important questions. Discuss whether you want the stylist to come to you on your wedding day or if you'll go to the salon. Also, decide if they will only do your hair or take care of the bridal party as well, and if you want them to stay for touch-ups before the reception.
• Speak up. Don't be afraid to politely voice your opinion during the trial. Beauty professionals want you to look and feel your best, so they won't take the feedback personally.

Clean hair: Stylists prefer to work with clean hair, so it's best to wash your hair before your appointment

When it comes to weddings, there are differing opinions on whether or not to invite your hair stylist. Some people believe that unless you have a personal relationship with your hair stylist, there is no obligation to invite them. They are paid to provide a service and that is their thank you. Others suggest that if your hair stylist is a friend or has given you a deal, it is polite to extend an invitation. Ultimately, the decision is up to the couple getting married and there is no etiquette requirement to invite hair stylists or other vendors.

Now, onto hair care advice! Clean hair is preferred by stylists as it is easier to work with and allows them to properly assess your hair needs. Here are some tips to ensure your hair is in the best condition for your appointment:

• Wash your hair the night before: This is especially important if you are getting a hair colour treatment or a dry cut. Clean hair allows the stylist to accurately evaluate your hair type, texture, and needs. It also ensures that any hair colour will be applied evenly.
• Avoid heavy product build-up: It is best to minimise the use of hair products before your appointment, especially if you are getting a dry cut or highlights. Heavy product build-up can interfere with the hair colour application and affect the stylist's ability to work with your hair. However, it is fine to use your normal everyday blow-dry products in moderation.
• Communicate with your stylist: Be open and honest with your stylist about your hair history, including any boxed hair dye or other treatments you may have used at home. This will help them understand your hair needs and goals better.
• Bring inspirational photos: It can be helpful to bring pictures of the hairstyle or colour you are aiming for. This allows your stylist to better understand your vision and discuss the best way to achieve it.
• Be mindful of timing: If you are part of a large wedding party, ensure that you schedule enough time for everyone to get their hair and makeup done without feeling rushed. Avoid adding last-minute clients, as this can cause unnecessary stress and divert time and attention.

Frequently asked questions